John H Duir

Title: Innovations of John H Duir in Oil Shale Technology

Introduction

John H Duir is a notable inventor based in Yorba Linda, CA (US), recognized for his contributions to oil shale technology. He holds a total of 5 patents, showcasing his innovative approach to enhancing the efficiency of oil shale retorting processes.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, Duir has developed an "Apparatus with moving bed pressure letdown stage for recovering retorted." This invention features a dry sealing leg apparatus that consists of four chambers designed to process retorted shale particulates. The chambers include a surge chamber, a gas injection chamber, a seal leg chamber, and a gas disengaging chamber. In the gas injection chamber, a sealing gas penetrates the moving bed of shale, dividing into two portions. One portion travels countercurrently to the shale, entering the retort at a positive pressure to seal product gases. The second portion travels co-currently with the shale, exiting at a reduced pressure after passing through the shale. This method allows for the retorting of shale particulates, followed by pressure reduction and crushing at a lower pressure, ultimately transporting the crushed particulates to a fluidized combustor for energy recovery.

Another significant patent is the "Apparatus for recovery of retorted shale from an oil shale retorting." This invention focuses on the recovery of retorted shale particles from a retort, which are then delivered to a gas lift for transport to a fluidized combustor. The process involves passing the shale through a sealing vessel, a crusher, and a surge vessel. In the sealing vessel, a sealing gas is introduced to separate the retorted shale from the retort gases, ensuring efficient recovery and preparation for combustion.

Career Highlights

John H Duir has made substantial contributions to the field of oil shale technology during his tenure at the Union Oil Company of California. His innovative patents reflect his commitment to advancing methods for efficient energy recovery from oil shale resources.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Duir has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Roland F Deering and Milan R Skripek, contributing to the development of groundbreaking technologies in the oil shale industry.

Conclusion

John H Duir's innovative work in oil shale technology has significantly impacted the efficiency of energy recovery processes. His patents demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities